DeCoud, 29, spent six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, including the last five seasons as a starter and was released last month. He recorded 65 total tackles last season while playing in 15 games.

"Thomas provides a veteran in the secondary who is familiar with the NFC South and has been a very solid player," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "We are pleased to add him to a safety group that has good experience and production."

DeCoud was a third-round pick by the Falcons in the 2008 NFL Draft, and has intercepted 14 passes in his career. His best season was 2012, when recorded 76 tackles and picked off a career-high six passes, earning a Pro Bowl berth.

The signing of DeCoud continues the Panthers push to upgrade the secondary this offseason. So far, they have signed former New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper, and former first-round pick Antoine Cason, who spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals.